Built in the 14th century, the castle acquired its present façade two hundred years later when it was modernized with additions of a two-storey, balconied loggia, onion-topped clock tower, chapel, and arcaded courtyard. Nevertheless, from the rear, the castle still resembles a medieval fortress, rising from a rocky outcrop with austere walls overlooking the Prądnik River Valley.
The castle now houses three small, individually-ticketed museums. One museum is concerned with Polish history and two with art. Visiting the museums allows visitors to gain a glimpse of the lavishly decorated interiors, including artwork on loan from Wawel Castle in Krakow. A number of tour operators in Krakow run excursions along the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests, allowing visitors to see all 25 castles along the route with historical commentary—a great option for those without transportation.
Pieskowa Skala Castle is around a 40-minute drive north of Krakow: there is on-site paid parking. Some buses from Krakow also stop here, but it may be more convenient to visit with a tour.
From May through October the castle is open every day except Monday. From November through April, it’s open on Saturdays and Sundays only. The exact opening hours often change, so refer to the castle’s website before visiting.
Pieskowa Skala is linked to Kazimierz's Castle and the center of Ojców via a 5-mile (8-kilometer) hike along “the Red Trail.” Along the trail you’ll spot one of the area’s best-known sights, an 82-foot- (25-meter-) high limestone pillar known as Hercules’ Club (Maczuga Herkulesa).
